You Are Not Your Own

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

My wife and I are adoptive parents. Our children, twins (boy and girl), came to us through Upbring (then Lutheran Social Services of Texas) in August 1992. One of the things an adoptive parent must sort through is the issue of not having biological children. 

An adopted child is very much our own child, as much as a biological child. Paul says as much in the passage above. During church last Sunday, I was reminded of this in the words the pastor (Pastor Eric) spoke during a baptism of a child who came into this world recently with both parents standing (and a whole lot of family) in our midst. The infant was held by mom and Pastor said at the start, "You child is not your own. He is a gift from God."

We take comfort from God's Word, heard on Sundays in community with other believers. Some of these people have been raised by the church throughout their lives, watching them grow in their faith life to be married and begin the journey as parents in their own right. I taught Dad when he was but a wee child, not letting him hide behind the chairs stacked in the corner. Our Pastor taught Mom in confirmation at his previous church.  

This week, we talk about the Third Commandment, "The Sabbath," how we observe it today, and why we observe it.

Pray with me: Gracious Father, You give us your Word for a reason and you require us to set aside time to be in your Word, pause and rest, like you did. This rest renews us. We give thanks for your Word and for insight into it as a community of believers. In Christ's name, Amen.